In any software package, which of the following versions represents a major improvement on the previous version?

Software developers use version numbers to signal how significant a new release is compared to what came before. These numbers usually follow a convention where different parts of the number carry different meanings.

The whole number to the left of the decimal point, sometimes called the major version number, is increased when the software receives substantial new features, a redesigned interface, or other changes significant enough to represent a new generation of the product. Moving to a version numbered with a whole number and a zero after the decimal point signals exactly this kind of major overhaul.

By contrast, a number with a non-zero digit after the decimal point typically reflects smaller updates, bug fixes, or incremental improvements that do not amount to a complete overhaul of the software.

Exam takeaway: read a jump in the whole number before the decimal point as a major upgrade, and a change only in the decimal part as a minor, incremental update.